1/30/2009 @ 5:00PM

In Pictures: Why The Ultra-Rich Continue To Buy Luxury

Valentino Ruffled Gown ($10,990)

This ivory blanc V-neck silk gown with a belted empire waist uses the finest materials. “The garments are worked on by hand,” observes Parsons professor Frank, “the construction of the gown has such intricate detail, which may be invisible to the naked eye, but it is this very quality that allows a dress such as this to fit so elegantly.”